EPISODE 89: Getting Fit For LIFE. Former Obese Teen Transforms Into a Man of Health and Happiness with Dai Manuel

Dai Manuel - before he became a personal trainer, keynote speaker, author, and a general fitness inspiration - was an obese teenager. He started fat-building when he was 9 years old and packed on pound after pound until he was 14 and weighed an astonishing 200 lbs. with a 38-inch waistline, metrics that shouldn’t belong to a kid who’s barely 5 feet 6 inches.

It wasn’t until he was 14 that he decided to change the way he lived and that’s where it all began. He built a good habit and swore by it. He lost lots of weight and built muscle over the course of 20 months all while growing 8 inches taller. He has since helped people and has been doing so for 25 years with no signs of stopping.

Today we’re going to talk about his transformation story, the habits that made him who he is today, and his opinion on the child obesity epidemic.

 

“If you want to be a positive role model you've gotta be doing it too.” Dai Manuel

 

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• At the age of 14, Dai was faced with two choices: to accept his life and live with it or change it for the better. He chose the latter.
• Dai made use of what he had to grow his knowledge when it came to health and fitness. Internet access wasn’t as popular then so he made use of the library.
• He began his fitness journey by eating smarter and riding a fitness bike. He eventually got more active and learned taekwondo, climbed mountains for fun, and eventually got into CrossFit and stayed there.
• When you change to a better version of yourself, people start asking you for helpful advice.
• Education in nutrition is the answer to obesity problem in kids.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Living a healthy and fit lifestyle is always a choice.
• Talk about feelings, don't talk about science when it comes to what kids eat. Ask about how they feel when they eat junk food vs healthy meals.
• Have a lifestyle that will support your "treats" and cheat days.
• People workout and go on a healthy diet so they can enjoy life more.

 

Connect with Dai Manuel:

• Dai Manuel’s official website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

 

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Whole Life Fitness Manifesto book by Dai Manuel

 

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